pellicle

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pellicle The living, proteinaceous, layered structure which surrounds the cells in many types of protozoa. It is immediately below the cell membrane and surrounds the cytoplasm (it is not extra-cellular, like the cell wall in a plant). In Ciliatea it may be very complex and contain pellicular, bottle-shaped organelles (trichocysts).

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

pellicle

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pellicle The thin outer covering, composed of protein, that protects and maintains the shape of certain unicellular organisms, e.g. Euglena. It is transparent and in ciliated organisms, e.g. Paramecium, contains small pores through which the cilia emerge.

A Dictionary of Biology

pellicle

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pellicle thin skin, cuticle, film. XVI. — F. pellicule — L. pellicula, dim. of pellis skin, FELL1; see -CLE.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

pellicle

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pellicle See PERIPLAST.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

pellicle

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pellicle (pel-ikŭl) n. a thin layer of skin, membrane, or any other substance.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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